Okay, maybe you didn’t think of the Linkin Park song, but I can’t help it—every time I hear the word habit, that song plays in my head. I saw them in concert back in the ’90s, and it was OFF. THE. CHAIN. So now, Breaking the Habit has its own personal soundtrack for me.
And on Day 4 of this challenge? I’m realizing that’s exactly what I’m doing—breaking a habit.
The Lunch Habit
Wednesdays are my busiest days. I teach several classes, I’m out of the house for hours, and somewhere in between, I usually slip off to grab a bite at one of my favorite local lunch spots.
You know—just a little pick-me-up to recharge and “fuel my practice” (I love how we justify things to ourselves).
But today, I paused.
I remembered this challenge, and instead of buying lunch, I packed a snack:
🥕 Carrots
🍎 An apple
🥜 Mixed nuts
I should have added a granola bar. Because by 1:30 p.m., I was hungry. And mildly cranky. And missing my usual Wednesday treat.
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t just missing calories—I was missing the ritual. That familiar comfort. The routine. The reward. The habit.
Treats as a Habit
This whole experience got me thinking—how often do I treat myself out of habit, not need?
That Wednesday lunch had become a routine I looked forward to. But now, I’m asking better questions:
- When do I feel the urge to treat myself?
- What triggers that feeling?
- Is it about hunger, or something deeper?
Turns out, I’ve created a habit from a lack of preparedness. I never pack food, so grabbing lunch has become the default. The first time I tried to break it, I didn’t bring enough—and my brain panicked: “GO BACK TO THE OLD WAY. IT WORKED!”
But did it?
Maybe the real answer is: I just need to pack more food.
Or get up 10 minutes earlier.
Or admit that change is uncomfortable… but worth exploring.
I’m not sure if this is a habit I’ll break for good. Maybe I’ll go back to my Wednesday lunches. Maybe I won’t. But what matters is that I’m finally asking myself why I do what I do.
What About You?
What have you noticed about your own habits this week? Are you craving something? Missing something? Learning something?
Drop a comment below or share your own story with #NoBuyChallenge—because the more we share, the more we grow.
And if you’re hungry… don’t forget the granola bar.
Namaste, friends.
4 the Love of Peace 